Waves
Waveform
Obtained by plotting instantaneous values of a time-varying quantity against time.
Periodic Waveform
A pattern repeats after
Alternating Waveform
A waveform that changes in magnitude and direction with time. Is also a periodic waveform.
Symmetric Waveform
A periodic waveform that is symmetric about the time axis.
Sinusoidal Waves
An alternating and symmetric waveform. Same as
When
- the wave is said to be leading by - the wave is the reference - the wave is said to be lagging by
Sinusoidal voltages can be easily generated using rotating machines.
Complex Waveforms
Periodic non-sinusoidal waveforms can be split into its fundamental and harmonics.
Fundamental Waveform
Harmonics
Sine waves with higher frequencies which is a multiple of
Harmonics are grouped into:
- odd harmonic when
is odd. - even harmonic when
is even.